Growing trees and shrubs in shade can be a challenge if you choose plants that prefer sunny conditions. If you choose plants that are adapted to shady conditions, shade gardening is quite enjoyable and barely any work at all.
There are many shrubs and trees that prefer shade. They are understory plants that like the company of tall trees or overarching shrubs. Many have colorful blooms or foliage.
When choosing shrubs and trees for shade be sure to consider the following: (1) will the plant grow in my regions or growing zone; (2) what height and width will best fit the location; (3) is the plant evergreen or deciduous; (4) does the plant flower, have interesting foliage, or or colorful branches (for winter interest).
Planting in shade
Keep in mind that the soil under large trees can be poor or dry; trees draw up a lot of moisture and nutrients. Preparing the planting area for shade-loving shrubs and trees may require amending the soil with organic matter. Adding aged compost on a regular basis can transform poor soil. If you find tree roots in the spot where you want to plant, you can remove any roots less than 1-inch (2.5cm) in diameter without hurting the tree.
Know What to Plant This Week
Every week I answer the gardener's most important question: what should I plant now? Get seasonal planting advice free — or go Pro for my full Soil Temperature Garden Report, with soil temperature, moisture, weather trends, and crop-by-crop recommendations.
Dig a large hole for shrubs and trees, larger than you would in a sunny spot, then add plenty of aged compost or commercial organic planting mix; this will help new planting become esstablished.
Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.
Golden-Chain Tree, Laburnum, is a small deciduous tree. Laburnum is native to Europe and Asia and belongs to the Pea Family. Golden-chain trees are among the most beautiful of flowering trees with three-part leaves and long drooping clusters of yellow pea-shaped flowers. The flowers are reminiscent of wisteria Laburnum thrives in any well-drained soil and can…
Young trees are particularly vulnerable to winter stress. Frost, freezing temperatures, and sunscald can damage bark, kill buds, and stunt growth. After decades of gardening in Sonoma Valley and Iowa Zone 5, I’ve learned practical strategies to protect newly planted or young trees in both warm and cold climates. With proper insulation, wrapping, watering, and…
Itea — commonly called sweetspire or Virginia sweetspire– bears catkin-like panicles of small white flowers. There is both an evergreen and deciduous variety of Itea; both have handsome holly-like leaves but otherwise are not too similar. The deciduous variety bears colorful fall foliage. Itea is a genus of about 10 species. Sweetspire prefers moist soil and is best grown…
Stephandra is a small, deciduous shrub known for its delicate, arching branches and finely cut leaves. It belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae) and is native to East Asia, particularly Japan and Korea. The most common variety grown in gardens is Stephandra incisa, often called cutleaf stephandra or lace shrub, which is prized for its…
Mahonia is an easy-to-grow evergreen shrub with spiny-toothed leaves and spiky clusters of bright yellow flowers. Flowers are usually followed by blue-black, sometimes red, berry-like fruit. Mahonias are useful for a variety of situations; low-growing varieties can be used as a groundcover; taller varieties can be grown in a shrub border, hedge, or woodland garden. Mahonias…
Leptospermum–commonly called tea tree–is a shrub or small tree with profuse colorful spring blooms. Leptospermum blooms can be white, pink, or red. The small blossoms resemble miniature roses and cover long graceful stems. Leptospermum has small lance-shaped often prickly leaves that are aromatic. The common name, tea tree, comes from Captain James Cook’s brewing of the leaves to…
Gardening Tips in your Inbox!
Subscribe today to get our weekly recipe newsletter! You don’t want to miss out!
